Use of a combination of taurine or a derivate thereof and a grape extract for improving the quality of the nails

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to the oral cosmetic use of a combination of active agents comprising at least taurine, a derivative thereof and/or an acceptable salt thereof and at least one grape extract, as cosmetic active agents for improving the quality of the nails. More particularly, the present invention relates to the oral cosmetic use of such a combination for improving the solidity of the nails and for reducing and/or preventing their splitting.

The present invention relates to the field of cosmetic products and foodsupplements for improving the quality of the nails.

More particularly, the present invention proposes the use of a novelcombination of active agents for reducing and/or preventing aestheticdefects, and/or for improving the solidity or hardness of the nails. Theinvention is also directed towards the use of a combination of activeagents in accordance with the invention for reducing and/or preventingsplitting of the nails.

The present invention also relates to a cosmetic process for reducingand/or preventing brittle, fragile, soft, split or cracked nails,preferably split nails, in an individual in need thereof, characterizedin that it comprises at least the oral administration, to the saidindividual, of a combination or of a composition in accordance with theinvention. A nail or ungual plaque is a flexible, sleek and translucenthorny blade which forms a surface excrescence of the skin, consisting ofkeratinocytes and a very dense and homogeneous keratin matrix. Thismatrix keeps the cells welded together and gives the nail its strength,hardness, solidity and flexibility. The nail is enveloped by anepidermal sheath, or matrix.

From a morphological viewpoint, a nail consists of a dorsal part, anintermediate part, a ventral part, a proximal matrix, an intermediatematrix, a lunula and the nail bed. 80% of the thickness of a nail isproduced by the proximal matrix, and 20% of its thickness is produced bythe intermediate matrix and the nail bed. The dorsal part consists ofhard keratin, the intermediate part is the thickest and is formed ofmoderately hard keratin, and the ventral part consists of soft keratin.

As regards its chemical constitution, a nail contains water, lipids,mucopolysaccharides and minerals, such as sodium, potassium, iron,calcium, zinc or silicon.

The hardness and flexibility of nails depend especially on theorientation of the keratin fibres, the arrangement of the keratinocytesand their cohesion and chemical constitution, in particular the contentof water, lipids and phospholipids.

Many factors may impair the chemical constitution of the nails, and as aresult their hardness or shape.

Among the extrinsic factors that are liable to affect the nails, mentionmay be made of exposure to sunlight, exposure to temperature and/orhumidity variations, and exposure to pollutants or to cigarette smoke.Among the intrinsic factors affecting the nails, mention may be made ofstress, fatigue, hormonal changes, dehydration, a metabolic deficit,ageing or certain pathologies.

These various factors are prone to make the nails fragile or brittle,affect their shape, make them split, and thus greatly reduce theiraesthetic appeal.

At the present time, the main solutions proposed in the field of nailquality are based on the use of nail varnishes, of moisturizing activeagents in handcare products, or of chemical reinforcement of the nail.The latter solution is based on the use of nail-hardening agents, suchas formaldehyde at 1-2%, which generate crossbonds in the keratin.However, frequent use of these products may give rise to too manycrossbonds, paradoxically promoting embrittlement of the nails.

Temporary implants, such as false nails, have also been proposed in thefield of nail quality, but the main aim thereof is to hide the poorquality of the nails rather than to prevent and/or restore theirquality.

From a cosmetic viewpoint, there is thus a need to be able to reduce orprevent the various aesthetic impairments that may affect the nails,irrespective of the origin of these impairments.

There is also a need for novel active agents or for a combination ofactive agents that can exert efficient and beneficial action on thequality of the nails, and in particular on their hardness, theirsolidity, their resistance to impacts or to external attacking factors,their resistance to splitting, their smooth appearance, their sheen andconsequently their general aesthetic appearance.

There is more particularly a need for novel active agents or acombination of active agents that are capable of exerting efficientaction on the solidity of the nails and of reducing and/or preventingtheir splitting.

The object of the present invention is to satisfy these needs.

Thus, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to theoral cosmetic use of a combination of active agents comprising at leasttaurine, a derivative thereof and/or an acceptable salt thereof and atleast one grape extract, as cosmetic active agents for improving thequality of the nails.

Taurine has already been described in the prior art, either as a cellactivator for regulating hair cells, proposed as a hair stimulator fortopical application (WO 02/24189), or as an agent that is useful forimproving hair density, via oral administration (WO 2004/000 293).

To the inventors' knowledge, it has never been proposed or suggestedhitherto that the oral administration, to an individual in need thereof,of a combination of taurine, a derivative thereof and/or an acceptablesalt thereof, and of at least one grape extract, as active agents, couldprove to be particularly effective for improving the quality of thenails.

More particularly, the oral administration of a cosmetic combination inaccordance with the invention makes it possible to make the nails moresolid, and thus to reduce and/or prevent the nails from breaking and/orsplitting.

More particularly, the oral administration of a cosmetic combination inaccordance with the invention makes it possible to reduce and/or preventlamellar and/or transverse separations of the nails, and especiallytheir splitting.

More particularly, the oral administration of a cosmetic combination inaccordance with the invention makes it possible to improve the hardnessof the nails, and thus to reduce and/or prevent soft or overly flexiblenails.

More particularly, the oral administration of a cosmetic combination inaccordance with the invention makes it possible to improve the generalaesthetic appearance of the nails, and especially to reduce and/orprevent striated and/or damaged nails.

More particularly, the oral administration of a combination inaccordance with the invention makes it possible to improve the sheenand/or transparency of the nails.

Furthermore, due to the improvement in the quality of the nailsassociated with the oral administration of a cosmetic combination inaccordance with the invention, such an administration alsoadvantageously makes it possible to have longer nails. This also makesit possible to facilitate the staying power of nail varnishes.

More particularly, the oral administration of a cosmetic combination ofactive agents in accordance with the invention makes it possible toimprove the aesthetic appearance of the cuticle of the nails.

The administration of a combination in accordance with the inventionalso enables the nails more quickly to regain a sleek and shinyappearance after the removal of false nails and/or to be protected inthe event of the application of false nails.

Thus, and as demonstrated in the examples, an administration for 3months of a combination in accordance with the invention makes itpossible to reinforce the quality of the nails. In particular, itenables the nails to become harder, less brittle, more resistant toimpacts, less prone to splitting and to have a sleek, homogeneous andtranslucent appearance, and also an improved general aestheticappearance, especially with less damaged and less striated, or evenunstriated, nails.

According to a preferred embodiment, the combination in accordance withthe invention also comprises, as additional active agent, zinc or a saltthereof, and preferably zinc gluconate.

According to a more preferred embodiment, the combination in accordancewith the invention also comprises, as additional active agents,vitamins, especially vitamin B8 and/or vitamin C, preferentially vitaminB8 and vitamin C.

According to one embodiment, the combination in accordance with theinvention may be used in a cosmetic composition that is suitable fororal administration.

A cosmetic composition in accordance with the invention gives the sameadvantages as those afforded by the combination in accordance with theinvention, as indicated previously.

According to yet another of its aspects, the subject of the presentinvention is a cosmetic treatment process for improving the quality ofthe nails, in an individual in need thereof, characterized in that itcomprises at least the oral administration, to the said individual, of acombination or of a composition in accordance with the invention.

The use of a combination of active agents in accordance with theinvention is necessarily performed in an effective amount, i.e. anamount that enables the active agents to manifest their properties withregard to the improvement to be afforded to the quality of the nails.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “prevent” meansreducing to a lesser extent the risk or probability of manifestation ofa given phenomenon, i.e. in the present invention impairment of thequality or aesthetic appearance of the nails.

The present invention describes a combination of active agentscomprising, or even consisting of, at least taurine, a derivativethereof and/or an acceptable salt thereof, at least one extract of grapeseeds, zinc or a salt thereof, and vitamin B8. Preferably, a combinationaccording to the invention also comprises vitamin C.

According to yet another of its aspects, the present invention relatesto a cosmetic composition that is suitable for oral administration,comprising at least taurine, a derivative thereof and/or an acceptablesalt thereof, at least one extract of grape seeds, zinc or a saltthereof, and vitamin B8, wherein taurine, a derivative thereof and/or anacceptable salt thereof is used in a content of between 1% and 30% byweight relative to the total weight of the composition, expressed astaurine equivalent. Preferably, a cosmetic composition according to theinvention also comprises vitamin C.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “splitting of thenail” means both lamellar splitting (or onychoschizia) and longitudinalseparation of the nail (or onychorrhexis). Preferably, for the purposesof the present invention, the term “splitting of the nail” meanslamellar splitting (or onychoschizia).

The term “onychoschizia” means the deterioration of the intracellularadhesion factors of the nails, which is characterized by lamellarcracking of the end of the nail and also of its distal portion. [Van deKerkhof et al., 2005; Kechijian, 1985].

The term “onychorrhexis” means a state characterized by verticalcracking or ridges on the nails.

According to yet another of its aspects, the present invention relatesto a packaging kit or assembly comprising:

(i) a combination in accordance with the invention intended for oraladministration, and

(ii) an antifungal agent intended for topical application,

the combination (i) and the antifungal agent (ii) being intended to beadministered independently of each other, separately, simultaneously orconsecutively over time, the antifungal agent (ii) advantageously beingadministered before the combination (i).

According to yet another of its aspects, the present invention relatesto a packaging kit or assembly comprising:

(i) a combination in accordance with the invention intended for oraladministration, and

(ii) a moisturizer and/or a hardener intended for topical application,

the combination (i) and the moisturizer and/or hardener (ii) beingintended to be administered independently of each other, separately,simultaneously or consecutively over time.

The present invention also describes a packaging kit or assemblycomprising:

(i) a combination of active agents in accordance with the inventionintended for oral administration, and

(ii) a nail varnish intended for topical application to at least onenail.

The present invention also describes a packaging kit or assemblycomprising:

(i) a combination of active agents in accordance with the inventionintended for oral administration, and

(ii) at least one false nail intended to be applied topically onto atleast one nail.

Taurine, Derivatives thereof and Acceptable Salts thereof

As active agents that are present in a combination in accordance withthe invention, use is made of taurine and/or a derivative thereof and/oran acceptable salt thereof.

Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is an amino acid derivative. Itis naturally present ubiquitously in the human body.

It is involved, for example, in the mechanism of fat digestion since itis present in the structure of bile acids (taurocholic andtaurochenodeoxycholic acids), precursors of emulsifier-charged bilesalts (in the form of micelles) of food lipids (especially includingcholesterol) arriving in the duodenum after a meal.

However, the physiological/physiopathological action and the role oftaurine remains disputable (Huxtable et al., 1992, Physiol. Research,72: 101-103; Hansen et al. 2001, Metab. Res. Rev., 2001, 17: 330-346).

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “taurinederivatives” means structural analogues of taurine, metabolites thereofor acceptable salts thereof.

Such structural analogues are, for example,4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid, N-acyltaurine,acetylhomotaurine, N,N-diacetylsalicyloxyethyltaurine,acylmethyltaurine, homotaurine or salts thereof as described in Taurineanalogues; a new class of therapeutics: retrospect and prospects, Guptaet al., S. Curr. Med. Chem. 2005; 12(17): 2021-39.

A taurine metabolite is, for example, hypotaurine.

The term “acceptable salts” means salts chosen for their totalharmlessness, insofar as the compositions in accordance with theinvention are intended to be administered to an individual. In thisrespect, alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal salts, in particular themagnesium, manganese, iron(II) or zinc salts, are most particularlysuitable for use in the invention.

Taurine derivatives may also be natural extracts that are rich intaurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) or derivatives thereof.

According to the invention, taurine or an acceptable salt thereof willpreferably be used.

According to a preferred embodiment, taurine and/or hypotaurine will beused.

The taurine in accordance with the invention may be, for example, theproduct sold by the company Quimdis.

According to the invention, taurine, a derivative thereof and/or anacceptable salt thereof are used at daily doses ranging from 1 to 3000mg per day, advantageously from 5 to 2000 mg per day and preferably from10 to 300 mg per day.

According to a preferred embodiment, the daily dose is from about 50 to150 mg per day.

The indicated doses of taurine derivatives or of a salt thereof in thepresent description are doses of taurine equivalent.

Grape Extract

A grape extract is naturally rich in polyphenols.

Polyphenols from the grape extracts in accordance with the invention maybe in the form of monomers and/or oligomers. The polyphenols moreparticularly present in the grape extracts, especially in grape seedextracts, are polyphenols of the stilbenoid or tannin family, moreparticularly condensed tannins They are more particularlyoligo-proanthocyanidin (OPC) polyphenols.

A grape extract in accordance with the invention preferably consists ofa grape seed extract.

It may be, for example, the product sold under the name Vitoflavan 50 bythe company DRT.

A grape extract in accordance with the invention is used so as to afforddaily doses of polyphenols ranging from 0.1 to 2000 mg per day,advantageously from 10 to 1000 mg per day and preferably from 50 to 500mg per day.

According to a preferred embodiment, the daily dose is from about 50 to300 mg per day.

Thus, a combination of active agents in accordance with the inventionadvantageously comprises taurine or hypotaurine and a grape seedextract.

In the context of the present invention, the doses of grape extractrepresent the doses of polyphenols. According to the present invention,taurine, a derivative thereof and/or an acceptable salt thereof and agrape extract in accordance with the invention are used in a ratio oftaurine, a derivative thereof and/or an acceptable salt thereof/grapeextract as described previously of between 1/5 and 5/1, preferablybetween 1/4 and 4/1 and even more preferably between 1/3 and 3/1.

Additional Active Agent(s)

A combination in accordance with the invention may also comprise one ormore additional cosmetic active agents.

Advantageously, such an additional cosmetic active agent may be intendedto reinforce the desired cosmetic effect as described previously.

As additional active agents that may be used, mention may be made of:

-   -   vitamins, such as vitamin A, B₅, B₆, B₈ or PP (vitamin B₃ or        niacin),    -   antioxidants, such as curcuminoids; carotenoids, especially a        carotenoid chosen from β-carotene, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin and        lutein or compounds containing the same, such as wolfberry or        lactowolfberry; polyphenol compounds, flavonoids such as        catechins; proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, PCOs (procyanidol        oligomers); ubiquinones; coffee extracts containing polyphenols        and/or diterpenes; chicory extracts; Ginkgo biloba extracts;        grape extracts rich in proanthocyanidins; pimento extracts;        soybean extracts; cocoa or coconut milk; pomegranate; Emblica,    -   minerals, such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron,        iodine, manganese, selenium and chromium(III),    -   sugars,    -   amino acids, especially sulfur amino acids such as glutathione        precursors, selenium amino acids and citrulline,    -   prebiotics, chosen especially from oligosaccharides, produced        from glucose, galactose, xylose, maltose, sucrose, lactose,        starch, xylan, hemicellulose, inulin, gums of acacia type, for        example, or a mixture thereof. More particularly, the        oligosaccharide comprises at least one fructo-oligosaccharide.        More particularly, this prebiotic may comprise a mixture of        fructo-oligosaccharide and of inulin,    -   phytosterols, such as resveratrol,    -   hesperidin and neohesperidin,    -   orthosilicic acid and monomethylsilanetriol,    -   arterial pressure modulators, and    -   mixtures thereof

Preferably, a combination in accordance with the invention compriseszinc or a salt thereof as active agent, preferably zinc gluconate.

It may be, for example, the product sold under the name Gluconal Zn-P bythe company Arnaud.

Preferably, a combination in accordance with the invention comprisesvitamin B8 and/or vitamin C, preferentially vitamin B8 and vitamin C.

According to a preferred embodiment, a combination in accordance withthe invention comprises, besides taurine, a derivative thereof and/or anacceptable salt thereof and a grape extract as defined previously, zincor a salt thereof, and vitamins.

A combination of the invention may contain, besides the additionalactive agents indicated previously, one or more divalent mineral cationsin various forms.

A divalent mineral cation may thus be in the form of an anhydrous orhydrated mineral or organic salt or a chelated complex. These salts maybe, for example, carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, glycerophosphates,chlorides, nitrates, acetates, hydroxides, oxides, a-hydroxy acid salts(citrates, tartrates, lactates, malates) or fruit acid salts, oralternatively amino acid salts (aspartate, arginate, fumarate) or fattyacid salts (palmitate, oleate, caseinate, behenate).

A divalent mineral cation may be chosen from manganese, copper and/orzinc or from alkaline-earth metals. As alkaline-earth metals that may beused in the invention, mention may be made of barium, calcium,magnesium, strontium and/or beryllium.

Advantageously, a divalent mineral cation, and especially analkaline-earth metal, is used in the present invention in salt form. Inparticular, the salt may be chosen from nitrate, citrate, chloride,gluconate, sulfate, lactate and/or acetate salts.

A divalent mineral cation may also be used in the form of a chelatedcomplex, especially chelated to crystalline or ionized proteins.

A divalent mineral cation may also be in a specific form stored by amicroorganism, for example such as a yeast, like selenium yeasts.

According to another embodiment, a composition of the invention maycontain non-photosynthetic, non-fructifying filamentous bacteria orbacterial extracts derived from non-photosynthetic, non-fructifyingfilamentous bacteria as defined according to the classification inBergey's Manual of Systemic Bacteriology, volume 3, section 23, 9thedition, 1989.

Mention may be made in particular of bacteria belonging to the order ofBeggiatoales, and especially bacteria belonging to the genus Beggiatoa.Mention may moreover be made of bacteria belonging to the genusVitreoscilla, which is similar to the genus Beggiatoa. Among thebacteria that may be used, mention may be made, for example, ofVitreoscilla beggiatoides (ATCC 43181) and Beggiatoa alba (ATCC33555),and preferentially the use of the extract of Vitreoscilla filiformis, inparticular with the strain ATCC 15551, metabolites thereof and fractionsthereof may be used.

As indicated previously, a combination of active agents in accordancewith the invention may comprise, besides taurine, a derivative thereofand/or an acceptable salt thereof and at least one grape extract, atleast one arterial pressure modulator.

Arterial pressure biological modulators are known to those skilled inthe art.

An arterial pressure modulator in accordance with the invention may bechosen from vitamin D, cysteine, arginine, citrulline, glutamate,tryptophan, leucine, a tripeptide chosen from Val-Pro-Pro (VPP) andisoleucine-proline-proline (IPP), adenosine, flavonoids from berries,onions, pomegranate, red wine, tea, cocoa and dark chocolate, coenzymeQ10 (CoQ), acetyl-L-carnitine, a-lipoic acid, soybean proteins,spirulina; a microorganism such as Lactobacillus helveticus,Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. casei, L.acidophilus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Streptococcus thermophilus;prebiotic agents, chosen especially from oligosaccharides produced fromglucose, galactose, xylose, maltose, sucrose, lactose, starch, xylan,hemicellulose and inulin; glutathione, soybean isoflavones (genistin,genistein, daidzin, daidzein, glycitin, glycitein, estradiol, estrone),soybean lecithin and Fruitflow™, or mixtures thereof.

More particularly, the oligosaccharide comprises at least onefructo-oligosaccharide.

More particularly, a prebiotic that is suitable for use in the inventionmay comprise a mixture of fructo-oligosaccharide and of inulin.

Such an arterial pressure modulator may be present in a combination ofactive agents in accordance with the invention in a content of between0.1% and 50% by weight, preferably between 1% and 40% by weight andpreferentially between 2% and 30% by weight relative to the total weightof the combination.

According to a particular embodiment, a composition of the invention mayalso comprise at least one probiotic microorganism, a prebiotic agent ora mixture of probiotic microorganisms and a mixture of prebiotic agents.

Specific examples of probiotic microorganisms that are suitable for usein the invention are Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacteriumanimalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve,Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacteriuminfantis, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, Lactobacillus acidophilus(LC1, NCFB 1748); Lactobacillus amylovorus, Lactobacillus casei(Shirota), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (strain GG), Lactobacillus brevis,Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus delbruckii (subsp. bulgaricus,lactis), Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus helveticus,Lactobacillus gallinarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillusjohnsonii, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum,Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillussalivarius, Lactobacillus alimentarius, Lactobacillus curvatus,Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei, Lactobacillus sake, Lactococcuslactis, Enterococcus faecalis or faecium, Lactococcus lactis subsp.lactis or cremoris, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. dextranicum,Pediococcus acidilactici, Sporolactobacillus inulinus, Streptococcussalvarius subsp. thermophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus,Staphylococcus carnosus, Staphylococcus xylosus, Saccharomyces(cerevisiae or boulardii), Bacillus (cereus var. toyo or subtilis),Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus licheniformis, Escherichia coli strainnissle, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, and mixtures thereof

The microorganisms may be formulated in the form of powders, i.e. in adry form, or in the form of suspensions or solutions.

More particularly, they may be probiotic microorganisms chosen frommicroorganisms of the genus Lactobacillus sp. and/or Bifidobacteriumsp., a fraction thereof and/or a metabolite thereof. As illustrations ofthese microorganisms, mention may be made more particularly ofLactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus,Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum,Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium animalis,Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacteriumadolescentis and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, and mixturesthereof.

The species that are most particularly suitable are Lactobacillusjohnsonii, Lactobacillus paracasei, Bifidobacterium adolescentis,Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium lactis NCC 2818 (also knownas Bb12 ATCC 27536), which were deposited, respectively, according tothe Treaty of Budapest, at the Institut Pasteur (28, rue du DocteurRoux, F-75024 Paris cedex 15) on 30/06/92, 12/01/99, 15/04/99, 15/04/99and 07/06/05 under the following designations CNCM 1-1225, CNCM 1-2116,CNCM I-2168 and CNCM 1-2170 and CNCM 1-3446, and the genusBifidobacterium longum (BB536). The strain of Bifidobacterium lactisCNCM 1-3446 may be obtained from Hansen (Chr. Hansen A/S, 10-12 BoegeAlle, P.O. Box 407, DK-2970 Hoersholm, Denmark).

According to one particular embodiment of the invention, the compositioncomprises at least two different microorganisms, which are especiallyprobiotic, and/or metabolites and/or fractions thereof Thesemicroorganisms may differ by their nature, for example bacterium andfungus, or alternatively by their family, their genus or their species,or only by their strain.

The prebiotic agents that are suitable for the invention may be chosenfrom oligosaccharides, produced from glucose, galactose, xylose,maltose, sucrose, lactose, starch, xylan, hemicellulose, inulin, gums ofacacia type, for example, or a mixture thereof. More particularly, theoligosaccharide comprises at least one fructo-oligosaccharide. Moreparticularly, this prebiotic may comprise a mixture offructo-oligosaccharide and of inulin.

According to one embodiment, a combination of the invention may compriseadditional hydrophilic active agents. Hydrophilic active agents that maybe used include proteins or protein hydrolysates, amino acids, polyols,especially of C₂ to C₁₀, for instance glycerol, sorbitol, butyleneglycol or polyethylene glycol, urea, allantoin, sugars and sugarderivatives, water-soluble vitamins, starch, and bacterial or plantextracts, for instance those from Aloe vera.

According to another embodiment, a combination of the invention may alsocomprise a lipophilic active agent. Lipophilic active agents that may beused include retinol (vitamin A) and derivatives thereof, ceramides andessential oils.

According to a preferred embodiment, a combination in accordance withthe invention comprises, besides taurine or a derivative thereof and agrape seed extract as defined previously, zinc gluconate, vitamin B8 andoptionally vitamin C.

Composition and Kits

According to one aspect of the invention, a combination of active agentsin accordance with the invention may be used in a cosmetic compositionthat is suitable for oral administration.

A composition in accordance with the invention comprises aphysiologically or pharmaceutically acceptable medium.

Needless to say, a person skilled in the art will take care to selectthe additional active agents and the amount thereof such that theadvantageous properties of the composition in accordance with theinvention are not, or are not substantially, adversely affected by theenvisaged addition.

A cosmetic composition in accordance with the invention may comprisetaurine, a derivative thereof and/or an acceptable salt thereof in acontent of between 1% and 30% by weight relative to the total weight ofthe composition, expressed as taurine equivalent.

Preferably, taurine, a derivative thereof and/or an acceptable saltthereof is present in a content of between 5% and 20% by weight andpreferentially between 10% and 15% by weight relative to the totalweight of the composition, expressed as taurine equivalent.

In addition, a cosmetic composition in accordance with the inventioncomprises a grape extract, in particular a grape seed extract, asdefined previously, in a content of between 1% and 80% by weightrelative to the total weight of the composition.

Preferably, the grape extract is present in a content of between 5% and70% by weight and preferably between 10% and 60% by weight relative tothe total weight of the composition.

A composition in accordance with the invention may also comprise theadditional cosmetic active agents indicated previously. They may bepresent in a composition in accordance with the invention in an amountof between 0.0001% and 20% by weight relative to the total weight of thecomposition.

More particularly, zinc or a salt thereof may be used in a compositionin accordance with the invention in an amount of between 0.1% and 30% byweight relative to the total weight of the composition. Preferably, zincor a salt thereof may be used in a content of between 0.5% and 20% byweight and preferentially between 1% and 10% by weight relative to thetotal weight of the composition.

Vitamin B8 in accordance with the invention may be used in a compositionin accordance with the invention in a content of between 0.0001% and 1%by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. Preferably,vitamin B8 may be used in a content of between 0.0005% and 0.5% byweight and preferentially between 0.001% and 0.1% by weight relative tothe total weight of the composition.

Furthermore, vitamin C in accordance with the invention may be used in acomposition in accordance with the invention in a content of between0.5% and 25% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.Preferably, vitamin C may be used in a content of between 1% and 20% byweight and preferentially between 2% and 10% by weight relative to thetotal weight of the composition.

A combination of active agents and a composition in accordance with theinvention make it possible, via their oral administration, to improve,reinforce or restore an aesthetic state of a nail.

As indicated previously, various intrinsic or extrinsic factors may bethe cause of an aesthetically degraded state of the nails. The object ofthe present invention is to restore this state without treating it orpreventing its cause, and is thus limited to the cosmetic field. Theinvention does not relate to the therapeutic field.

According to one embodiment, the invention is directed towards reducingand/or preventing an impairment in the structure of the nails, inparticular to reduce and/or prevent brittle, fragile, soft, split orcracked nails, preferably split nails.

For the purposes of the invention, the expression “impairment in thestructure of the nails” means an impairment in the organization of thekeratin fibres or in their chemical composition constituting the nailswith regard to an organization or a composition observed in nails ofgood aesthetic quality.

More particularly, the impairments in the structure of the nails maylead to the presence of striations on the surface of the nails. Thus,the invention is also directed towards reducing and/or preventingstriated nails.

According to one embodiment, the combination of active agents underconsideration in the invention promotes and/or improves the flexibilityand/or hardness of the nails. Following the use of the combination inaccordance with the invention, the nails are found to be less brittle,harder, more flexible, and/or more resistant to impacts, and have lessof a tendency to split.

According to one embodiment, the combination of active agents inaccordance with the invention also makes it possible to make the nailssleek, shiny and/or translucent.

In particular, the combination of active agents in accordance with theinvention makes it possible to increase the transparency and/orwhiteness and/or sheen of the nails, as indicated in the tests presentedhereinbelow.

According to one embodiment, the combination of active agents inaccordance with the invention also makes it possible to improve thegeneral aesthetic appearance of the nails.

According to the present invention, it is considered that the generalaesthetic appearance of a nail is improved when at least one of theparameters chosen from the hardness, the solidity, the resistance toimpacts or to external attacking factors, the resistance to splitting,the sleek appearance and/or the sheen is improved. This improvement inthe general aesthetic appearance is illustrated in the table of Example2.3.

The combination of active agents in accordance with the invention or thecomposition in accordance with the invention is administered orally.

The combinations and compositions in accordance with the invention,intended for oral administration, may especially comprise all or onlypart of the daily dose.

The required daily dose may thus be divided up so as to be taken, forexample, 1 to 3 times in the day.

Typically, the duration of this cosmetic treatment may be longer than 4weeks, especially from 4 to 15 weeks, with, where appropriate, one ormore periods of stoppage.

The oral route has the advantage of acting in a more overall manner onthe whole of the structure of the nails.

The expression “oral cosmetic composition” means, for example,nutritional, nutraceutical or cosmeceutical compositions, comprising atleast a combination according to the invention.

In the case of compositions that are suitable for oral administration,the use of an ingestible support is preferred. The ingestible supportmay be of diverse nature according to the type of composition underconsideration.

For ingestion, numerous embodiments of oral compositions and especiallyof food supplements are possible.

Such compositions may be formulated via any common process known tothose skilled in the art.

Thus, a composition in accordance with the invention may preferably takethe form of a coated tablet, a gel capsule, a suspension, a gel, anemulsion, a drinkable solution, a tablet to be swallowed or chewed, acapsule, especially a soft or hard capsule, a granule to be dissolved, asyrup, a lozenge or a food supplement.

In particular, a combination of active agents in accordance with theinvention may be incorporated into any form of food supplement orenriched food, for example food bars or compacted or loose powders. Thepowders may be diluted with water, in soda, dairy products or soybeanderivatives, or may be incorporated into food bars.

According to one preferred embodiment, a composition in accordance withthe invention administered orally may be formulated in the form ofcoated tablets, gel capsules, gels, emulsions, tablets, capsules,hydrogels, food bars, compact or loose powders, liquid suspensions orsolutions, confectionery products, fermented milks, fermented cheeses,chewing gums, toothpastes or spray solutions.

Milk, yoghurt, cheese, fermented milks, milk-based fermented products,ice creams, fermented or non-fermented cereal-based products, milk-basedpowders, infant and baby formulas, animal feed in particular for pets,tablets or lozenges, liquid bacterial suspensions, oral supplements indry form and oral supplements in liquid form are, for example, suitableas food supports.

The oral compositions may be either in anhydrous form or in aqueousform.

A combination of active agents in accordance with the invention may beformulated with the usual excipients and components for such oralcompositions or food supplements, i.e. especially fatty and/or aqueouscomponents, humectants, thickeners, preserving agents, texture agents,taste agents and/or coating agents, antioxidants, preserving agents anddyes that are common in the food sector.

The formulating agents and excipients for oral compositions, andespecially for food supplements, are known in this field and are not thesubject of a detailed description herein.

In particular, a composition in accordance with the invention may be afood composition for human consumption. This may be, in particular,nutritional complete foods, drinks, mineral waters, soups, dietarysupplements and replacement or substitute foods, nutritional bars,confectionery, milk-based products or fermented milk-based products,yoghurts, milk-based powders, enteral nutritional products, infantand/or baby compositions, fermented or non-fermented cereal-basedproducts, ice creams, chocolate, coffee, “culinary” products such asmayonnaise, tomato puree or salad dressings.

According to one embodiment, a kit according to the invention uses anantifungal agent. Such an agent may be chosen from the families ofimidazoles, morpholines or pyridones.

According to another embodiment, a kit according to the invention uses amoisturizer and/or a hardener.

A moisturizer in accordance with the invention may be chosen fromvitamins and oils. As examples of oils that are suitable for use asmoisturizers, mention may be made especially of argan oil, sesame seedoil and sunflower oil.

A hardener in accordance with the invention may be chosen fromhydrolysed wheat proteins, calcium pantothenate or vitamin B5, iron,epoxy resins and polyesters, and nitrocellulose.

Process

According to another of its aspects, the present invention relates to acosmetic process for reducing and/or preventing brittle, fragile, soft,split or cracked nails, preferably split nails, in an individual in needthereof, characterized in that it comprises at least the oraladministration, to the said individual, of a combination or of acomposition in accordance with the invention.

A process according to the invention may comprise a step that consistsin observing a reduction in, or even disappearance of, the impairment inthe quality of the nails.

Advantageously, the application of a process of the invention gives theadvantages indicated previously as being associated with the use of acombination or of a composition in accordance with the invention, andmay especially improve, or even restore, the hardness, the resistance toimpacts, a physiological form, a sleek appearance or a translucentappearance.

A cosmetic process according to the invention may be performedespecially by administering a food composition as defined above.

A process of the invention may be performed on a daily basis, forexample, for instance at a rate of one single administration per day orone administration twice a day, for example once in the morning and oncein the evening, or three times a day, in particular at each meal.

A cosmetic process according to the invention may be performed, forexample, by daily administration of a composition formulated, forexample, in the form of gel capsules, coated tablets, emulsions,tablets, capsules or drinkable vials, in appropriate amount and number,depending on their form.

An effective amount of a combination in accordance with the inventionmay be administered in a single dose per day or in divided doses overthe day, for example two to three times a day.

A process according to the invention may advantageously comprise asingle administration.

A cosmetic process may be performed over a time period ranging from oneweek to several weeks, or even several months, this period moreoverpossibly being repeated after periods without treatment, for severalmonths or even several years.

By way of example, the administration of a combination of active agentsin accordance with the invention may be performed at a rate, forexample, of three times a day, generally over a prolonged period of atleast 4 weeks, or even 4 to 15 weeks, optionally comprising one or moreperiods of stoppage or being repeated after a period of stoppage.

In the description and the examples that follow, unless otherwisementioned, the percentages are weight percentages and the ranges ofvalues written in the form “between . . . and . . . ” include the statedlower and upper limits. The ingredients are mixed, before being formed,in the order and under conditions that are easily determined by thoseskilled in the art.

The examples hereinafter are presented as nonlimiting illustrations ofthe field of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Oral Composition in Tablet Form

(% by weight relative to the total weight Ingredients (mg/tablet) of thecomposition) Taurine⁽¹⁾ 75 10.641 Zinc gluconate⁽²⁾ 25.74 3.652 Grapeseed extract⁽³⁾ 93.5 13.266 Vitamin B8⁽⁴⁾ 0.016 0.002 Vitamin C⁽⁵⁾ 18.342.602 Excipients for the core Dibasic calcium phosphate 218 30.931dihydrate Microcrystalline cellulose 214 30.363 Croscarmellose sodium 202.838 Silicon dioxide 7 0.993 Magnesium stearate 6 0.851 Film-coatingagents Hydroxypropylmethyl- 9.18 1.303 cellulose Hydroxypropylcellulose9.18 1.303 Talc 5.44 0.772 Titanium dioxide 3.21 0.455 Yellow iron oxide0.12 0.017 Red iron oxide 0.07 0.010 ⁽¹⁾sold under the name Taurine bythe company Quimdis ⁽²⁾sold under the name Gluconal Zn—P by the companyArnaud ⁽³⁾sold under the name Vitaflavan 50 by the company DRT

(4) sold under the name D-Biotin by the company DSM

(5) sold under the name Ascorbic acid 90% granulation by the company DSM

One to three of these tablets may be taken per day.

This composition may be prepared according to the process describedbelow:

The D-biotin and the excipients are first mixed together. Next, thetaurine, the zinc gluconate, the grape seed extract and the vitamin Care added to this mixture.

The mixture thus obtained is then lubricated and compressed, beforebeing coated with the film-coating agents and purified water.

Example 2

A single-blind study was performed, on the basis of the composition ofExample 1, under dermatological control, on 50 healthy women from 18 to50 years old, having brittle/split nails.

These women were supplemented for 3 months with the composition ofExample 1, at a rate of two tablets per day. The efficacy of thesupplementation was then validated by clinical scoring andself-evaluation.

The results obtained are presented in the tables below.

1. Onychoschizia Clinical Scores

TABLE 1 Mean T0 T1 month T2 months T3 months Lamellar 1.47 1.06 0.760.71 separation (1) Longitudinal 0.20 0.08 0.00 0.02 separation (2)Onychoschizia 1.67 1.14 0.76 0.73 score (1 + 2)

The onychoschizia score decreases in a significant manner from 1 monthof supplementation with the combination according to the invention,demonstrating the efficacy of the formulation on splitting of the nails.

2. Overall Clinical Efficacy Score

The overall clinical score measures the change between times T0 and T1month, T0 and T2 months and T0 and T3 months in the embrittled nature ofthe nail.

This score is evaluated by means of a 5-point scale as indicated in thetable below. The results are presented in terms of number and frequency.

TABLE 2 T1 month T2 months T3 months 0 Deterioration  4%  2%  0% 1 Noimprovement 38% 21% 30% 2 Moderate 27% 42% 39% 3 Good 31% 35% 29% 4Excellent  0%  0%  2%

From 1 month of supplementation with the combination in accordance withthe invention, the clinician notes a marked improvement in theembrittled nature of the nail for 58% of the individuals.

The improvement concerns 77% and 70% of the women after, respectively, 2and 3 months of supplementation.

3. Self-Evaluation of the Quality of the Nails by the Individuals of theStudy

TABLE 3 T1 T2 T3 month months months Population % % % With thesupplementation, Entirely in agreement 4.1 24.5 24.5 my nails split lessQuite in agreement 40.8 38.8 53 Remotely in agreement 36.7 24.5 14.3 Notat all in agreement 18.4 12.2 8.2 No opinion 0 0 0 With thesupplementation, Entirely in agreement 2.0 8.2 16.3 my nails crack lessQuite in agreement 44.9 46.9 53.1 Remotely in agreement 38.8 34.7 30.6Not at all in agreement 0 6.1 14.3 No opinion 0 4.1 0 With thesupplementation, Entirely in agreement 6.1 18.4 26.5 my nails appear tobe less Quite in agreement 42.9 42.9 49.0 damaged Remotely in agreement32.7 26.5 20.4 Not at all in agreement 18.4 8.2 4.1 No opinion 0 4.1 0With the supplementation, Entirely in agreement 4.1 10.2 10.2 my nailsare less brittle Quite in agreement 40.8 44.9 55.1 Remotely in agreement28.6 38.8 30.6 Not at all in agreement 16.3 16.3 4.1 No opinion 0 0 0With the supplementation, Entirely in agreement 4.1 12.2 14.3 my nailsare less striated Quite in agreement 32.7 38.8 49.0 Remotely inagreement 40.8 30.6 28.6 Not at all in agreement 16.3 12.2 6.1 Noopinion 6.1 6.1 2.0 With the supplementation, Entirely in agreement 10.220.4 22.4 my nails are more solid Quite in agreement 32.7 34.7 44.9Remotely in agreement 34.7 32.7 28.6 Not at all in agreement 20.4 10.24.1 No opinion 2.0 2.0 0 The food supplement Entirely in agreement 4.18.2 16.3 makes my nails shinier Quite in agreement 20.4 34.7 51.0Remotely in agreement 32.7 34.7 30.6 Not at all in agreement 22.4 14.32.0 No opinion 20.4 8.2 0 The food supplement Entirely in agreement 2.014.3 22.4 makes my nails more Quite in agreement 26.5 32.7 40.8beautiful Remotely in agreement 34.7 38.8 32.7 Not at all in agreement18.4 14.3 2.0 No opinion 18.4 0 2.0

The majority of the women participating in the study noted the efficacyof the combination in accordance with the invention.

1-16. (canceled)
 17. Oral cosmetic method comprising at least the step of admistrating combination of active agents comprising at least taurine, a derivative thereof and/or an acceptable salt thereof and at least one grape extract, as cosmetic active agents for improving the quality of the nails.
 18. Method according to claim 17, in which the grape extract is a grape seed extract.
 19. Method according to claim 17, for reducing and/or preventing brittle, fragile, soft, split or cracked nails.
 20. Method according to claim 17, for reducing and/or preventing striated nails.
 21. Method according to claim 17, for making the nails sleek, shiny and/or translucent.
 22. Method according to claim 21, for increasing the transparency and/or whiteness and/or sheen of the nails.
 23. Method according to claim 17, for improving the general aesthetic appearance of the nails.
 24. Method according to claim 17, wherein the combination also comprises, as additional active agent, zinc or a salt thereof.
 25. Method according to claim 17, wherein the combination also comprises, as additional active agents, vitamins.
 26. Method according to claim 25, wherein the combination also comprises, as additional active agents, vitamin B8 and/or vitamin C.
 27. Method according to claim 17, in which the combination of active agents is used in a cosmetic composition that is suitable for oral administration, the said composition possibly being in the form of a coated tablet, a gel capsule, a suspension, a gel, an emulsion, a drinkable solution, a tablet to be swallowed or chewed, a capsule, a granule to be dissolved, a syrup, a lozenge or a food supplement.
 28. Method according to claim 27, in which taurine, a derivative thereof and/or an acceptable salt thereof is used in a content of between 1% and 30% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, expressed as taurine equivalent.
 29. Method according to claim 28, in which taurine, a derivative thereof and/or an acceptable salt thereof is used in a content of between 10% and 15% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, expressed as taurine equivalent.
 30. Method according to claim 27, in which the grape extract is used in a content of between 1% and 80% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, expressed as polyphenol dose.
 31. Method according to claim 30, in which the grape extract is used in a content of between 10% and 60% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, expressed as polyphenol dose.
 32. Method according to claim 27, in which zinc is used in a content of between 0.1% and 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.
 33. Method according to claim 32, in which zinc is used in a content of between 1% and 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.
 34. Cosmetic composition suitable for oral administration, comprising at least taurine, a derivative thereof and/or an acceptable salt thereof, at least one extract of grape seeds, zinc or a salt thereof, and vitamin B8, and optionally vitamin C, wherein taurine, a derivative thereof and/or an acceptable salt thereof is used in a content of between 1% and 30% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, expressed as taurine equivalent.
 35. Packaging kit or assembly comprising: (i) a combination as defined in claim 17, which is intended for oral administration, and (ii) an antifungal agent intended for topical application, the combination (i) and the antifungal agent (ii) being intended to be administered independently of each other, separately, simultaneously or consecutively over time.
 36. Packaging kit or assembly comprising: (i) a combination as defined in claim 17, which is intended for oral administration, and (ii) a moisturizer and/or a hardener intended for topical application, the combination (i) and the moisturizer and/or hardener (ii) being intended to be administered independently of each other, separately, simultaneously or consecutively over time. 